A recent study led by Washington State University (WSU) has highlighted the potential of elderberry juice as a powerful tool for improving metabolic health and aiding in weight management. Published in the journal Nutrients, the clinical trial found that drinking 12 ounces of elderberry juice daily for one week led to positive changes in the gut microbiome, as well as improvements in glucose tolerance and fat oxidation.
Elderberries, small dark purple fruits from the elder tree native to Europe, are commonly used in supplements to boost immune function, but their broader health benefits have been less explored. The findings of this study, however, may signal a new era for this often-overlooked berry.
“Elderberry is an underappreciated berry, both commercially and nutritionally,” said Patrick Solverson, assistant professor at WSU’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine and the study’s corresponding author. “We’re beginning to recognize its significant value for human health, and the results are quite exciting.”
The study involved 18 overweight adults who were randomly assigned to either drink elderberry juice or a placebo with similar color and taste. Participants followed a standardized diet during the trial. The clinical testing, conducted after one week of intervention, revealed that those who consumed elderberry juice experienced several notable health benefits.
One of the key findings of the study was a significant improvement in the gut microbiome of participants who consumed elderberry juice. Specifically, there was an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, while harmful bacteria like Bacteroidetes were reduced. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for nutrient absorption and overall physical and mental well-being.
The elderberry juice intervention also resulted in improved glucose metabolism. Participants showed a 24% reduction in blood glucose levels, indicating a marked improvement in their ability to process sugars after carbohydrate consumption. Additionally, insulin levels decreased by 9%, signaling improved insulin sensitivity.
Another promising outcome was the increase in fat oxidation in participants who consumed elderberry juice. Fat oxidation refers to the body’s ability to break down fatty acids for energy, and the study showed that elderberry juice enhanced this process both after a high-carbohydrate meal and during exercise.
These health benefits are attributed to elderberry’s high concentration of anthocyanins, plant-based compounds known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties. “Food is medicine, and science is catching up to that popular wisdom,” Solverson explained. “This study adds to the growing body of evidence that elderberry, long used as a folk remedy, has multiple benefits for both metabolic and prebiotic health.”
While other berries contain anthocyanins, elderberries stand out due to their particularly high concentration. To match the anthocyanin levels in just 6 ounces of elderberry juice, a person would need to consume four cups of blackberries per day, Solverson noted.
Although elderberry products are more popular in Europe than in the U.S., demand surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the market for elderberry supplements continues to grow. The research team has even filed for a provisional patent for using the bioactive components of American black elderberry to support weight management and gut health through supplements or other applications. The WSU Office of Commercialization is exploring commercialization opportunities for these findings.
The study was supported by a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). In the future, the research team plans to expand their studies with an additional $600,000 in NIFA funding. Their next steps include exploring whether elderberry juice could help individuals who have stopped taking weight-loss medications maintain their weight.
The researchers also emphasize the need for further studies to confirm their initial findings and to assess the long-term effects of elderberry on diverse populations.
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